No No No!

There are times when your child is a toddler that you feel as if the entire vocabulary in the household comprises one single, solitary word: ‘no’!
On occasion it will be you telling your child not to touch, or not to climb, but chances are that ‘no’ will be your child’s favourite word at this stage.

For most toddlers negative behaviour and constant repetition of the word ‘no’ stems from their desire for independence. Your toddler may, for example, not want you to strap her into her buggy or may refuse to eat what was previously a favourite food.

You: ‘Eat your pasta’.
Your toddler ‘No.’
You (a little more assertively):‘Come on, eat your pasta!’
Your toddler (equally assertively): ‘No. No.’
You (voice now raised considerably): ‘EAT YOUR PASTA!’
Your toddler (similar decibel level): ‘NO! NO! NO!’

It’s easy to see how the situation can escalate, isn’t it? Here’s how to ensure that you don’t reach this level and learn to counteract ‘no’ with ease!

First of all, remember that this behaviour is a normal developmental stage for most toddlers. At that age every day is part of the learning curve for them and they’re simply trying out a little independence.

Start by toddler proofing your home. If your child can’t reach certain items or can’t climb on high objects, it will remove the possibility of climbing or breaking things.

Although it can be difficult on occasion, do try to keep your use of the word ‘no’ to a minimum. Try turning instructions into positive statements, for example, ‘keep your bike on the pavement’, rather than ‘don’t go onto the road.’

If you have a toddler, who is extremely strong-willed and seems to enjoy challenging you and pressing your buttons, do your best to remain calm and patient. Try and make certain situations into a game, for example, turn ‘get your shoes on’ into ‘let’s see who can get their shoes on first!’ Equally, offering alternatives such as ‘no, you can’t write on the wall, but you can write on this page’ should prove successful. Use your brain: remember that you still have the advantage of being a wily old adult!

Try not to laugh at your toddler when she says ‘no’. Although it can (on occasion) be funny to hear your little one asserting themselves, remember that they can be easily offended if they think that they are being ridiculed for showing some independence.

Above all, when dealing with the ‘no! no! no! situation, try to keep a positive attitude and remember to praise your child when she displays positive behaviour.